Binge Eating: An Overview
Most of us overeat from time to time, and some of us often feel that we have eaten more than we should have. However, eating a lot of food does not necessarily mean that you have
binge eating disorder.
Experts generally agree that most people with serious binge eating problems often eat an unusually large amount of food and feel out of control during the binges. People with binge
eating disorder also may:
- Eat more quickly than usual during binge episodes
- Eat until they are uncomfortably full
- Eat when they are not hungry
- Eat alone because of embarrassment
- Feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating.
No one knows for sure what causes binge
eating disorder. Researchers are looking at the following factors that may affect binge eating.
Depression
As many as half of all people with binge eating disorder are depressed or have been depressed in the past.
Dieting
Some people binge after skipping meals, not eating enough food each day, or avoiding certain kinds of food.
Coping Skills
Studies suggest that people with binge eating disorder may have trouble handling some of their emotions. Many people who are binge eaters say that being angry, sad, bored, worried, or stressed can cause them to binge eat.
Biology
Researchers are looking into how brain chemicals and metabolism (the way the body uses calories) affect
binge eating disorder. Research also suggests that genes may be involved in binge eating, since the disorder often occurs in several members of the same family. Certain behaviors and emotional problems are more common in people with binge
eating disorder. These include abusing alcohol, acting quickly without thinking (impulsive behavior), and not feeling in charge of themselves.
Health Effects of Binge Eating
People with binge
eating disorder are usually very upset by their binge eating and may become depressed. Research has shown that people who engage in binge eating report more health problems, stress, trouble sleeping, and suicidal thoughts than people without an eating disorder. People with binge eating disorder often feel badly about themselves and may miss work, school, or social activities to binge eat.
People with binge eating disorder may gain weight. Weight gain can lead to obesity, and obesity raises the risk for these health problems:
People with binge eating disorder should get help from a healthcare provider, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or clinical social worker. There are several different ways to treat binge eating disorder, including
cognitive-behavioral therapy and drug therapy.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
This type of therapy teaches people how to keep track of their eating and change their unhealthy eating habits. It teaches them how to cope with stressful situations. It also helps them feel better about their body shape and weight.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
This type of therapy helps people look at their relationships with friends and family, and make changes in problem areas.
Drug Therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy, which helps people regulate their emotions
- Drug therapy with the antiseizure medication topiramate
- Exercise in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Support groups.
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